The 8 Best Body Washes for Dry Skin

Best fragrance-free body wash for dry skin

Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Fragrance Free Body Wash

• Price: $
• Key ingredients: glycerin, aloe, panthenol (vitamin B5)
• Size: 16.9-oz bottle
• Pros: can find in drug store, no parabens
• Cons: contains sulfates

This dermatologist-tested body wash is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, so it’s a perfect choice if you have dry, sensitive skin. It also contains aloe vera and vitamin B5, both of which help keep your skin smooth and hydrated.

Ramirez reminds us that glycerin hydrates the outer layer of the skin (stratum corneum) and provides protection against irritants: “Glycerin is a humectant, which pulls water into the outer layer of the skin to hydrate. I recommend this product to my pediatric patients with eczema.” Good to know!

Reviewers love how gentle this body wash is, but it does contain sulfates, so it may not be the best fit if your skin is extra sensitive.

P.S. This one is also paraben-free and shouldn’t clog your pores.

 

Best scented body wash for dry skin

Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter

• Price: $
• Key ingredients: petrolatum, niacinamide (vitamin B3), shea butter
• Size: 30-oz bottle
• Pros: amazing smell, huge bottle
• Cons: contains sulfates and fragrance

OK, this one has fragrance. But if you happen to have dry skin and know that your particular skin type is fine with fragrance, this one could be for you.

Ramirez is obsessed with the smell of this body wash, actually giving it a *chef’s kiss* moment.

It also has petrolatum, niacinamide, and shea butter as its main ingredients, making it a powerful moisturizer —which is obvi our point here.

Petrolatum (think: Vaseline) helps repair your skin’s barrier, niacinamide helps hydrate and lock in moisture, and shea butter hits hard with a big dose of moisture.

Some reviewers note that the scent is strong, BTW. So, it may not be the best option if you have eczema or very sensitive skin.